Project 13
Mechanisms and functional consequences of redox signaling in dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson disease
Principal Investigator:
Prof. Dr. Jochen RoeperInstitute of Neurophysiology
Goethe University Frankfurt/Main
Research Area:
NeurophysiologySummary:
In this project, we wish to elucidate the redox signaling pathways that control the activation of plasma membrane ATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channels in dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons, which are highly vulnerable to degeneration in Parkinson disease. We aim to define the respective roles of synaptic and mitochondrial ROS generation for K-ATP channel activation under physiological conditions. Based on the physiological redox-control of K-ATP channels, we will study the functional and molecular changes that are responsible for altered ROS-signaling in the context of K-ATP channel activation in chronic mouse models of Parkinson disease and wish to elucidate the neuroprotective potential of the relevant pathways.